Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Strainer – stopper – plug or closure – Strainers in series
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-06
2001-07-24
Maust, Timothy L. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Strainer, stopper, plug or closure
Strainers in series
C004S286000, C004S290000, C004S292000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06263518
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to strainers, and more particularly to an apparatus for straining out hair and small particles in a drain.
2. Description of Related Art
Drain coverings and strainers of various types are commonly used to keep items other than fluid from continuing through and blocking a drain. The biggest drain-clogging culprit is hair. Commonly used drain plates covering a drain opening do catch some hair, but the openings in them cannot be made fine enough to catch all the hair going through and yet also conduct high volumes of liquid quickly and effectively through the drain. Other drain coverings are in the form of pull caps with attached vertical portions extending down into the drain, designed to catch hair around the extension. However, only some of the hair passing next to the vertical downwards extension will catch on it. In contrast, the present invention utilizes a configuration of apertures and surface protuberances that both trap hair and small particles and guide water down through the apparatus body. The present invention provides further related advantages as described in the following summary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use that give rise to the objectives described below.
The present invention is an apparatus for straining fluid flowing through a drain pipe, specifically designed to trap hair and small particles so that they do not clog plumbing pipes. The apparatus includes a cylindrical body which can be attached to a drain plate. On the opposite, downwardly-facing end of the body, an opening provides an outwardly-extending uniform peripheral flange. The peripheral flange fits tightly against a drain pipe inside surface. Extending outwardly from the apparatus cylindrical side wall are a number of holes and surface protuberances. The configuration of the holes and surface protuberances change the path of water flowing through the drain pipe from a downwards direction to a sideways direction, thereby trapping hair and small particles around the protuberances. The apparatus may be lifted out and cleaned frequently.
A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a drain strainer apparatus having advantages not taught by the prior art.
Another objective is to provide such an apparatus capable of redirecting the flow of fluid down a drain sideways through the apparatus instead of straight down into plumbing pipes.
A further objective is to provide such an apparatus with both apertures and surface protuberances capable of trapping to capture hairs and small particles, arranged in alternating fashion and extending outwardly from the apparatus body.
A further objective is to provide such an apparatus that is inexpensive to manufacture and economical in cost to consumers, as well as easy to install and clean.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1756290 (1930-04-01), Hibner
patent: 1852123 (1932-04-01), Lutsky
patent: 1925008 (1933-08-01), Schacht
patent: 2279683 (1942-04-01), Judell et al.
patent: 2337331 (1943-12-01), Kirschner
patent: 2394964 (1946-02-01), Dick
patent: 4232407 (1980-11-01), Williams
patent: 901754 (1945-08-01), None
patent: 289356 (1928-04-01), None
patent: 2103924 (1983-03-01), None
patent: 505892 (1954-12-01), None
patent: 98669 (1940-04-01), None
Gene Scott & Patent Law & Venture Group
Huynh Khoa
Maust Timothy L.
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